Manchin approves metal theft bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Legislation aimed at reducing thefts of copper and other metals has been approved by Governor Manchin.

The measure increases pressure on scrap dealers to avoid stolen copper and other metals by requiring them to keep records of sellers' identities and provide these records to police.

West Virginia has seen brazen thefts of copper and other metals everywhere from telephone and power lines to public monuments, cemetery mausoleums and even gutters and downspouts on homes.

Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin says the legislation hopefully will stop of the thefts.

The legislation is one of 16 bills passed by the Legislature in a recent special session. Manchin spokeswoman Lara Ramsburg says the governor signed all the bills this week.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)